Nigeria police boost security at government facilities ahead of poll

Nigeria’s riot police ahead of crucial elections

from AUGUSTINE OSAYANDE in Abuja, NigeriaABUJA, (CAJ News) – NIGERIA’S Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, ordered adequate and tight security around all Government buildings and critical infrastructure across the country to enhance their protection.

Force Spokesman, Emmanuel Ojukwu, said from Abuja, this had become imperative in view of next weekend’s general election.

The move has been necessitated by increasing political violence in the country as well as the increased presence of the militant Boko Haram terrorists.

Violence leading to destruction of some property has characterized the run-up to the eagerly-anticipated polls.

“With a few days to the 2015 general elections, commencing from 14th February, 2015, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Suleiman Abba has ordered all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police to ensure adequate and tight security environment in their jurisdictions, to ascertain a peaceful and crime free poll,” Abba said.

“The IGP ordered specifically that all Government buildings and critical infrastructures across the country be adequately protected. He re-affirmed the insistence of the Force to deal seriously in line with the law, all persons planning any form of election violence at any stage of the processes,” Abba added.

He said that any glimpse of ineptitude by any member of the Police Force during the poll would attract sanction.

He warned that all police officers must maintain high level of professionalism and discipline throughout the polling process.

The polls are projected to be a closely-run contest between the ruling People’s Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress.